Al French

1.     The Holy Bible

The Holy Bible is the supernatural, inspired Word of God; it is inerrant, supreme, complete, and final.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

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2.     The Work of Christ

The sinless life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ provided the perfect sacrifice for the redemption of sinners, who are redeemed by faith alone.

Hebrews 10:5-14

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3.     The Constitution (Limited Government)

Our Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It defines and limits the authority of government. The original intent of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights is to uphold the unalienable rights of American citizens.

Psalm 19:7-9; Deut. 4:5-8; Isaiah 33:22; Preamble to the Constitution

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4.     Life

God created man in His image. The duty of civil government is the protection of innocent human life from conception until natural death.

Gen 2:7; 9:5-6; Ps 139:13-18; Bill of Rights; 5^th Amendment

 

A) Issue Application: Washington State’s “Reproductive Privacy Rights” law allows minors to obtain abortions without parental consent. Additionally, this law requires taxpayer-funded abortions, on-demand. Late-term abortions are legal throughout all 9 months of pregnancy in WA because of the vague way that viability is defined in this law.

Response: The Reproductive Privacy Rights law needs to be challenged and/or repealed at both the state and local levels.

 

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B) Issue Application: In January 2022, a new law went into effect in Washington State, allowing minors to obtain gender reassignment treatment and surgery without parental consent (SB 5904). Another corresponding bill forbids insurance companies from denying coverage for these procedures, and further forbids insurance companies from notifying policyholders (i.e., parents) of this coverage (SB 5313).

Responses: This new initiative should be repealed and/or resisted because it is:

(1) an affront to the integrity of life as God created it (male and female, in His image - Genesis 1:26-28);

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(2) an assault on parental rights/responsibilities to direct, provide, and pay for the medical care of their children;

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(3) extremely harmful to minors who are already suffering, as they are further victimized by organizations that stand to profit from this new initiative, such as Planned Parenthood, which provides these “treatments.”

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1.     Liberty

Our system of government is based on the premise that individuals must be responsible before the law for their own conduct. The source of liberty is not found in a government, but in the inalienable rights of all men, including freedom of conscience. Governments are created to protect those rights and encourage morally responsible choices.

Gal 5:1; 1 Peter 2:16; Bill of Rights Amendments 1-10

A) Issue Application: The response of officials to Covid-19 has generally been an example of government over-reach, with the result that citizens’ rights have been seriously compromised. Some nonpartisan government agencies have usurped power to which they are not entitled, enabling unelected bureaucrats to impose on the Constitutional liberties of citizens. Cooperation between government and the private sector has led to censorship of those who disagree with approved narratives.

Response: While elected officials must consult with experts in order to make informed decisions that protect all, the rights of individuals and business owners to exercise First Amendment rights must not be infringed upon. Elected officials have a duty to oversee unelected bureaucrats and resist their attempts to impose controversial policies that violate citizens’ rights.

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B) Issue Application: The crime rate is up everywhere, with increases in theft, shoplifting, and vandalism. In metropolitan areas, felony crime (murder, burglary, assault, etc.), is also on the rise. Property damage, such as storefront broken windows and graffiti can be seen almost everywhere. Under the guise of criminal justice reform certain so-called “non-violent” crimes have been degraded from felonies to misdemeanors. In some locations, police do not respond to reports of shoplifting and theft, and prosecutors refuse to press charges. Additionally, 'supported release'  has allowed criminals back into the community, emboldening the formation of theft rings.

Response: Due to the rise in crime rates, elected officials should make law and order a priority. Local governments must provide sufficient funding for law enforcement. Criminal justice reforms should be repealed/replaced when they compromise accountability.

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6.     Property

A person’s property (land, possessions, money, opinions, and conscience) is protected in the Constitution. Civil government is instituted to protect property rights of every sort.

Ex 20:15, 17; Deut 19:14; Constitution: Article 1, Section 2, 1-8-8

Issue Application: Washington State and Spokane County officials have infringed on the property rights of citizens with burdensome regulations and ever-changing restrictions about wells and water rights. Special interest groups, such as Futurewise, interfere with private property owners developing their own land. They advocate for unnecessary government regulatory control under the guise of the undefined concept of “environmental justice.”

Response: Limiting the influence of groups such as Futurewise and protecting the interests and rights of property owners must be a high priority.

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Spokane County did not infringe upon the property rights of citizens but reacted to the Supreme Court's ruling by created and funding a water bank to give property owners access to water and to overcome the burden imposed by the State Supreme Court.

7.     Family

Only marriage between one man & one woman should be protected by civil government because it is the optimal environment for raising children, it is the cornerstone of every other societal institution, it strengthens the social & economic stability of the nation, and it reinforces the God-given, timeless role, and priority of the family unit.

Gen 1:26-27; 2:21-25; Psalm 78:5-7; 1 Tim 5:4-8

Issue Application: Most parents uphold the preeminence of marriage between one man and one woman, and the biological reality of two sexes, which determines gender. Yet, taxpayer funds have been used to promote policies that normalize alternative lifestyles, blend gender distinctions resulting in grammatically incorrect pronoun usage, and support programs such as drag queen story hour in libraries.

Response: Elected officials should not use taxpayer funds for programs that undermine the traditional family, such as those cited above. Public funding and/or endorsement by public officials of such programs should be prohibited.

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This is an issue at the state level and i snot part of the responsibilities or authorities of county commissioners

8.     Education

It is the fundamental right and responsibility of parents to direct the education of their children.

Prov 22:6; Eph 6:1-4

Issue Application A: Critical [Race] Theory, The 1619 Project, and other like-minded programs, are based on incorrect assertions and false narratives about our nation’s history and culture. Additionally, Critical Theory, (i.e., Cultural Marxism, an ideology based on victim categories, such as race) can be found as specific curricula, but it is also a worldview that influences many academic disciplines. The underlying assumptions of Critical Theory drive the formation of policies and initiatives in many government schools.

Response: The above cited programs and ideologies should not be implemented in taxpayer-funded schools.

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9.     States’ Rights

The Tenth Amendment of the Constitution reserves “to the states…or to the people” all powers not expressly delegated to the federal government. Therefore, state and local governments comprise the vast majority of governmental functions.

Ex 18:14-25; Deut 1:13-17

Issue Application: State and local government officials have not done enough to push back against the ever-increasing encroachment of federal regulations on our communities (e.g., covid response; property rights regulations; attempts to restrict Constitutional rights, etc.). In some cases, states have led the way in breaching citizens’ 1^st and 2^nd  amendment rights.

Response: Elected officials should use the “bully pulpit” of their office to inform their constituents when state and federal officials usurp their authority, especially when they threaten to withhold funds that rightly belong at the local level.

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10.     American Sovereignty

Our national sovereignty is vital to preserve our nation and allow it to advance its mission. Federal and state borders help define where resources and responsibilities are to applied. Judeo-Christian values found in the United States Constitution and Declaration of Independence provide guidance for our laws and liberties. The abundant blessings that God has bestowed on the U.S. underscores its responsibility to be a good steward to its citizens and to the world.

Constitution, Article 7

Issue Application: Diversity, inclusivity, & equity (D.I.E.) activists claim that the USA was founded on slavery and white male patriarchy. D.I.E. activists often promote revisionist history, while demanding race-based restitution schemes, masquerading as D.I.E. initiatives.

Response: D.I.E. initiatives should be eliminated from all taxpayer funded government agencies. New government initiatives should focus on the unifying themes of American culture, i.e., freedom, individual rights, Constitutional principles, etc.

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This country has a history of racial discrimination and to deny that is ignoring that red lining that occurred in the 50's-60's, that discrimination at our universities did not occur and that employment discrimination doesn't exist even today. We need to live the dream and promise of equality for all no matter the color of the skin.

11.     The Environment

God’s creation should be properly protected and stewarded. The environment is provided for our use to produce food and provide resources for abundant life. We have a duty to protect the environment for its beauty, provisions, and sustainability.

Genesis 2:15; Ezekiel 34:18

Issue Application: Prior to 2020, the USA had achieved energy independence. However, over the past two years with the shutdown of pipelines and fracking, America has, once again, become dependent on foreign energy sources, causing gas prices to double. A bill signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee in April 2022 requires all new cars in WA State to be 100% electric by 2030. Ironically, pioneers in green industry technology favor increased oil and gas production because: a) green energy development requires fossil fuels; and, b) the transition to clean energy will take longer than predicted.

Response: Many current “green” initiatives are based on faulty models. They need to be reevaluated, restructured, and in some cases, eliminated. American needs to become energy independent again.

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I sit on the Washington State Building Code Council representing counties east of the Cascades. I have been a strong advocate for reasonable approaches supported by the industry and technology. I have worked side by side by our utility companies and experts on fighting the agenda of the Governor and that is one reason why he and Lisa Brown, his Secretary of Commerce are supporting my opponent.

12.     The Poor and Needy

Providing a safety net for the poor and needy is the responsibility of individuals, families, churches, and local communities. It is not the responsibility of the government, which primarily exists to protect citizens from foreign and domestic threats. Those who are able should be encouraged to work because the satisfaction of the fruit of their labor, regardless of how minimal or mundane, is dignifying and life-giving.

Romans 12:11-13; 1 John 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; James 1:27

Issue Application: Many metropolitan areas have a growing problem with homelessness, which is often connected to drug addiction and mental health issues. Local government officials should focus on protecting the safety of all citizens by enforcing regulations against public disturbance, trespassing, and loitering.

Response: Government officials should leave the provision of housing, rehabilitation, and other social services to individuals, families, and private organizations that are better equipped to directly help the homeless. Additionally, local officials should support law enforcement with proper funding, good-faith negotiations, and responsible accountability.

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I am a strong supporter of our frontline defenders like police and fire fighters. I am supported by our current Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich because he knows I stand with him to keep our community safe. I am a graduate of the Citizen's Police Academy, fire Training 1010, FEMA Disaster Response and a Marine Corps veteran. I'm committed to keeping this community safe.

13.     Refugees and Immigrants

The needs of refugees, foreigners, and immigrants should be met with kindness and sympathy. We must do this while protecting our existing citizens and properly stewarding our country’s resources, security, and debt.

Leviticus 19:9-10 & 33-34; Deut 10:18-19; Romans 13:1-2

Issue Application: Legal immigration is foundational to America’s heritage and prosperity. Borders need to be respected and illegal immigration must be curtailed.

Response: Our nation needs stronger border control and immigration management. Employers should use E-Verify when hiring non-citizens. The Visa worker program needs better monitoring. So-called sanctuary cities should not be allowed to provide known criminals with a safe harbor and access to taxpayer-funded resources. Only citizens have the right to vote.

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14.     Debt

We have a moral obligation to repay our debts and not to presume upon the future. A balanced budget and freedom from debt protects us from becoming subjected to our “lenders.”

Proverbs 22:7; Deut 15:6

A) Issue Application: The core responsibility of local elected officials is governance over the areas of public safety, utilities, and roads. It is the duty of local elected officials to refrain from expanding local government beyond its designated sphere of responsibility.

Response: Local elected officials should publicly advocate for the development of and adherence to a balanced budget. They should also work toward downsizing government back to its proper role.

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B) Issue Application: The $1.3TrillionDollar American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 identifies certain groups as “disadvantaged” (a form of Cultural Marxism, which sorts people into victim/oppressor categories). The language of diversity, inclusiveness, and equity (D.I.E.) is ubiquitous through ARPA. By law, ARPA funds will be directed toward many of the same types of failed social programs that have received trillions of dollars in past decades. This is bloated government spending at its worst.

Response: Local elected officials should either have the courage to refuse these funds, and/or use their bully pulpit to enlighten the community about the historical failures of government-funded social welfare programs and schemes to redistribute wealth, while having little or no impact on the problems. In some cases, these programs have had a negative effect.

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The ARPA funds are once in a lifetime opportunity to make generational investments into the community without incurring debt. Investments in drinkable water supplies, stormwater and sewer expansion and investments that will bring economic opportunity to the County is what I have been focused on and are my priorities

15.     Other - Spokane County Redistricting

Background: By state mandate, the number of Commissioners in Spokane County has increased from 3 to 5. During the 2022 election, citizens in each of the five new county districts will elect a commissioner to represent their district on the County Commissioners Board. This changes the current election process from a county-wide vote for three commissioners to a district vote for one commissioner.

Issue Application: The new structure has the potential to favor urban interests over rural. This tension is illustrated by what happened recently with HB 1812 in the state legislature. HB 1812 was a bill that controlled the placement of wind turbines and solar panels. State legislators from rural areas negotiated in good faith, only to see their efforts undermined by Gov. Jay Inslee’s veto of bill elements that would give rural citizens a voice in how their lands are used. Thus, the state bureaucracy, based in Olympia, asserted power and control over Eastern Washington lands.

Response: The new voting configuration by individual districts presents a major challenge in that all five County Commissioners have a dual obligation/allegiance to their district (their electorate), and to the county as a whole (their elected position).

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In 2015 I opposed a similar effort from my fellow commissioners to go to 5 and the voters overwhelmingly rejected it. I have opposed the state's legislation from its inception all the way to the State Supreme Court and saw the Court rule against the will of the people. This is bad policy where the strength of a vote has been reduced by 80% and the voter now will never be able to vote against commissioners that have the power to increase their taxes, change land use policy or impact their safety. I will continue to fight this and move to a freeholder process and return the structure of county government to the people.